If you're the sort of person who struggles to keep up a decent skincare routine because you lack the energy, I hear you. In fact, I have to give myself a mental pep talk every night before I shuffle to the bathroom, bleary-eyed, to remove my makeup before I fall asleep. But the good news is that after many years of absorbing skincare information from experts, I have learned that there are shortcuts that can be taken to make your routine less daunting and maintain healthy, glowing skin while you're at it—and one of the best things I've learned is to streamline my moisturiser and SPF application.
Forget 10-step routines. There's little need for any more than two or three steps in your morning and nighttime skincare regimens. These steps are comprised of what I like to call non-negotiables—consider them the core foundations for healthy skin. These non-negotiables are made up of three camps: cleansing, hydration and protection. While cleansing really does require its own step, what you apply to your skin after you cleanse can always be streamlined—particularly when it comes to moisturiser (hydration) and SPF (protection).
But before we go any further, I want you to listen very carefully: Using a moisturiser or a foundation that merely lists SPF as an ingredient does not tick that "protection" box.
Beauty retailer Face the Future's recent 365 Days of SPF campaign ran a comprehensive independent YouGov study on SPF usage. Alarmingly, it found that almost half of the UK (45%) do not apply SPF daily/most days, and that more of the UK prioritise moisturiser (32%) over the use of sunscreen (23%) as the most important step in their skincare routine.
In order to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, it is imperative that you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This means the product protects skin against skin-ageing UVA rays (this is typically illustrated by a "PA+++" or a star rating) and skin-burning UVB rays (illustrated by an SPF rating). The reason for this serious caveat is that to truly give your skin the protection it requires, a product has to contain a hefty amount of those all-important UV-blocking ingredients. Dermatologists recommend applying a half-teaspoon of SPF to the face in order to guarantee the level of protection on the bottle—if you're relying on a tinted moisturiser or foundation for such coverage, I'd bet my hat that you're not applying nearly enough.
The best advice a dermatologist ever gave me? Instead of shopping for moisturisers that have SPF credentials, look for SPFs that have moisturising credentials. Trust me—facial SPF formulas have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with most good formulas providing just as much hydration and moisture as your standard day cream. If you want to only apply one product to your face in the morning post-cleanse, can the standard day cream and reach for a moisturising SPF instead. While these products might sit on SPF shelves in stores, trust me when I say they're far closer to truly great moisturisers—and they deliver next-level sun protection while they work.
I spoke to two experts—Face The Future's head of clinic and 365 Days of SPF campaigner, Kimberley Medd, as well as Thérapie Clinic's senior skin specialist Charlene McKinstrey—to answer your SPF moisturiser FAQs. So if you're looking to save some time in the morning by adding one to your routine, keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know and to shop the best moisturisers with actual SPF protection for all skin types.
What Makes the Best Moisturiser with SPF?
"When it comes to purchasing a moisturiser with SPF, it's crucial to look for a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as UVA rays are the primary cause of premature skin ageing," says Medd. "Ingredients are another key factor. Moisturisers with added antioxidants, such as vitamin E or C, can help combat free radical damage alongside sun protection." You should be looking for an SPF30 or above.
Can an SPF Moisturiser Replace Sunscreen?
According to McKinstrey, the SPF factor is important to look at. "A moisturiser with a SPF 30 or less should never replace your daily sunscreen of factor 30+."
"Whilst a moisturiser with SPF is better than no SPF at all, it's not quite the same as a dedicated suncream. Relying solely on moisturiser with SPF could leave parts of your skin inadequately protected, especially if you're not applying enough product," says Medd. "The downside of getting your SPF from a moisturiser rather than a standalone suncream is performance and consistency. Many people apply moisturiser more sparingly than they would a dedicated suncream, which means they might not be getting the full SPF protection stated on the label." And it's for this reason I'm rounding up the best moisturising SPFs—these products should be applied just like any other sunscreen (and reapplied throughout the day for top protection when the UV index is high).
The Best Moisturisers With SPF
- Best Overall SPF Moisturiser: The Body Shop Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++
- Best Budget Moisturising SPF: CeraVe A.M. Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
- Best Moisturising SPF for Dry Skin: Templespa Line Defence SPF 50
- Best Moisturising SPF for Oily Skin: Beauty Pie Featherlight SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer
- Best Moisturising SPF for Under Makeup: Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream
- Best Moisturising SPF for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50+ Sun Cream
1. The Body Shop Multi- Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++
Best overall SPF moisturiser
Key Information: Contains hyaluronic acid, red-algae extract, vitamin C and glycerin. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Suitable for sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic.
I've lost count of the number of friends I've gotten onto this product. It is, without debate, a facial moisturiser first. It leaves skin juicy and glowing (thanks to red-algae extract and vitamin C) while delivering what is basically the highest level of sun protection money can buy. If you only want to use one product in the morning after cleansing, make it this stuff, whatever your skin type.
For
- Sits beautifully under makeup
- Not sticky or greasy
- Also helps protect from indoor and outdoor pollution
Against
- Has a slightly sheeny finish—so if you like a matte look, beware
2. CeraVe A.M. Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
Best budget moisturising SPF
Key Information: Contains three essential ceramides, niacinamide and Vitamin E. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Sadly, most of the best hybrid SPFs I've tried cost a little more than a basic face cream. However, this stuff from CeraVe is probably the best budget SPF moisturiser I've tried. Is it totally weightless? No, but you sort of don't want it to be. It provides really impressive hydration (more than many luxury face creams do) and super-high sun protection.
For
- Contains skin barrier-loving ceramides
- Very affordable
- Incredibly hydrating
- Good for sensitive skin
Against
- Has a slightly oily finish
3. Templespa Line Defence SPF 50
Best SPF moisturiser for dry skin
Key Information: Contains prebiotics, postbiotics, sodium hyaluronate, rocket extract, ginseng root extract and vitamin E.
This stuff is loved by so many, and for good reason. It's lightweight like a luxurious moisturiser but has high-level SPF 50+ coverage, too. Formulated with vitamin E, it helps to nourish dry skin and create a great base for makeup, leaving the skin with a gorgeous satin finish that lends itself more to dull, dehydrated complexions than it does to oily ones. If you're after a healthy, dewy finish, you'll want to try this.
For
- Protects against environmental stressors
- Non-greasy
Against
- Not the most affordable
4. Beauty Pie Featherlight SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer
Price shown is member price.
Best SPF moisturiser for oily skin
Key Information: Contains vitis vita grape extract, tomato stem cell extract and glycerin.
If you have oily skin, finding a good SPF moisturiser isn't easy. The filters used in sunscreens are a little greasy by nature and risk leaving skin shiny—not something you want if you're battling excess oil production. This product, however, has a refreshing featherlight water-like texture that sinks into skin in seconds and delivers a shine-free finish. Definitely one of the best SPF moisturisers for oily skin, and one of the best Beauty Pie products they have. Oh, and of course, it's jam-packed with antioxidants to help boost your complexion as you wear it and it primes your skin for makeup. Is there anything this SPF can't do?
For
- Helps to fight again sun-induced skin inflammation
Against
- Isn't the most hydrating of the lot
5. Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream
Best luxury SPF moisturiser
Key information: Contains glycerin, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, 2-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and ginseng root extract.
A bougie option, this high-protection moisturising cream from Clé de Peau is potentially one of my favourite skincare finds of the year, as it's the best SPF moisturiser to layer under makeup. The sun protection is next-level (against both UVA and UVB rays), and the texture is beyond rich and luxurious without feeling greasy or buttery. It leaves skin feeling so soft and smooth and makes for the ultimate pre-foundation base.
For
- Feels like a beautifully luxurious face cream
Against
- Very pricey
- Can sting eyes slightly if you have oily lids
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50+ Sun Cream
Best SPF moisturiser for dark spots
Key Information: Contains hyaluronic acid, PHE-resorcinol, LHA, niacinamide, glycerin, and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water. Non-comedogenic. Hypoallergenic formula. Suitable for sensitive skin.
I understand that the reason people feel the need to load up on an abundance of serums in the morning is because they have a number of skin concerns that they want to address. But what if I told you there's a product that tackles it all with equal effect, and is the best SPF moisturiser for a dewy finish? This one from La Roche-Posay (which, by the way, produces some of the best sunscreens around), is specially formulated to reduce the appearance of dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and fine lines while it works. Plus, it's rich enough to use as a daily moisturiser if your skin is particularly dry.
For
- Contains impressive antioxidant protectors
- Works on skin elasticity
Against
- It's thicker than other La Roche-Posay SPFs
7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
Best true moisturiser with SPF
Key Information: Contains algae padina pavonica, chlorella, ginkgo biloba, glycerin and shea butter.
Yes, this product is a broad-spectrum SPF. However, the reason I say it's the best SPF moisturiser for added protection is that I would personally apply an SPF on top of it on particularly sunny days because this is, first and foremost, a moisturiser, and using half a teaspoon of it on your face would simply be too much. Instead, I'd recommend using this as a daily moisturiser and, 20 minutes before you leave the house, applying another lightweight SPF on top. Ideal for those with dull, dry skin, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 will give skin a next-level glowing plump and help supercharge the protection of any SPF you apply on top.
For
- Super hydrating
- Feels just like a luxurious day cream
- Spa-like fragrance
Against
- Pricier options
8. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30
Best SPF moisturiser for a blurred finish
Key Information: Contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, sea lavender and glycerin. Dermatologist-tested formula. Vegan.
This stuff is so moisturising that it's often the only product I use in the morning. The formula has a sheer tint with a luminous finish that makes your skin look like your own, but healthier and glowier—so I tend to skip foundation altogether when I'm using it. The entire Who What Wear UK team is obsessed with it.
For
- Doubles up as a makeup primer
- Contains antioxidants
Against
- Is a glow-booster, so not one for those who have trouble with shine
9. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF 50
Best lightweight SPF moisturiser
Key Information: Contains aloe extract, sacha inchi oil, lotus-flower water, glycerin, soybean lipid and portulaca extract. Suitable for all skin types, particularly oily and combination skin.
I fell in love with this Korean SPF years ago and only recently rediscovered it. Trust me when I say it's the best lightweight SPF moisturiser—almost invisible, in fact. However, with soothing aloe extract, sacha inchi oil, and lotus-flower water to soften skin, it just leaves your skin looking and feeling like its very best self. If you like your moisturiser to leave your skin feeling tacky, this one isn't for you. However, if you want your skincare to be traceless, add this to your basket.
For
- Controls oil and has a semi-matte finish
- Protects the skin barrier for prolonged hydration
Against
- Dry skin types might want more hydration
10. E.l.f. Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30
Best glow-boosting SPF moisturiser
Key Information: Contains aloe, hyaluronic acid and squalane. Fragrance-free. Suitable for: oily, dry and combination skin. Vegan. Cruelty-free.
My latest moisturising SPF discovery is this stuff from E.l.f. It has a hint of sheer peach shimmer which adds instant luminosity to all skin tones to give your complexion a healthy, lit-from-within kind of glow. So if you covet radiance, this is the best SPF moisturiser to boost glow. It looks great worn alone, or as a primer underneath makeup. I love it.
For
- Doubles as a primer with its makeup-gripping formula
- Non-greasy
- Comes in three shimmer finishes
- Super affordable
Against
- Not one for if you are worried about shine
- Can feel like a lot of product on the skin if used alone as a daily SPF
11. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler + Hyaluronic Acid Anti Ageing Anti-Wrinkle SPF 50 Replumping Day Cream
Best SPF moisturiser for mature skin
Key Information: Contains fibroxyl plant extract, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Ageing is a beautiful thing, but as we grow older it's only natural that our skin starts to lose its natural plumpness as our collagen levels drop and elasticity dwindles. This moisturiser tackles that lack of firmness by delivering a replumping dose of macro and micro hyaluronic acid to restore a little juiciness to the skin, making it the best SPF moisturiser for mature skin. The fact that it also contains SPF50 to protect skin from the sun's rays is just an added bonus for this ultra-hydrating day cream.
For
- A multi-purpose product that protects skin from all angles
- Feels more luxurious than the price would suggest
Against
- The pot format means you want to end up using less product than you need to
12. Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect™ SPF 50+ PA++++
Best mattifying SPF moisturiser
Key Information: Contains hyaluronic acid, squalane, plankton extract and glycerin. Vegan. Fragrance-free.
If there's a skincare brand every beauty editor has something good to say about, it's Medik8. Sensible, efficacious products that do the job and then some, the brand's cult following is well earned. This gem of an SPF moisturiser is the best for a matte finish, and is imbued with high levels of SPF, as well as hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid. Sorted.
For
- Filled with high-tech ingredients
- Protects skin against other forms of pollution, too
Against
- Leaves a slight chalky feeling on the skin
13. Lumene Brightening Day Fluid Mineral SPF30
Best vitamin C SPF moisturiser
Key Information: Contains vitamin C, wild Arctic cloudberry, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Vegan. Sustainable packaging.
I absolutely adore this SPF moisturiser. I can't put my finger on why I love it so much, though—it's just hydrating enough that it fully replaces a day cream, it smells great and it leaves my skin looking plump and glowing. It boosts glow while protecting my skin from free radicals. I have no notes.
For
- Rich in antioxidants to protect against free radicals
- Feels like a beautiful face lotion
- Smells gorgeous
Against
- It's glowy, so if you like a matte finish, take note
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